”Never go to the water if it sings. Don’t say I don’t warn you child, for the curses of the waters will drag you beneath it.”

Folklore tales of all kinds swirled around your village about the ‘mysterious waters’. Not like you cared too much to believe them. The deaths by the waters was merely drowning, caught in traps and unable to break free. Or, at least, that’s what you keep telling yourself. The ‘singing’, well that’s more than likely just the echo by the animals who live near the waters, right? Of course it is. Nothing to worry about. The elders here just like to scare children away from harming themselves in the night.

But you’re no child. And you can hear the singing. What is it? Is it truly an animal? Doesn’t sound like any animal you’ve ever heard. Scoffing to yourself over the ridiculous claims that had been drilled in your mind since you could toddle your way through the world, you brushed the blankets off yourself and set to prove everyone wrong. Slipping on some basic shoes with only a shawl for warmth as you opened the door and ascended into the cold night.

Whether there was some truth in those words, or your mind was playing tricks on you, the waters did feel different than in the day. Darker. Colder. Dangerous. It made you hesitate before laughing to yourself over your ‘unnecessary fear’. Seriously, what could it even be? Just get it over with, don’t be a fool and let your fear run your mind. Easier to think that when you blissfully ignore the warnings, and fully step into the waters.

“Hnnnnnnnggggg…… a human. Tiny. Not enough for even a snack…..but you may serve your purpose in your own way.” That voice was not human, not at all. And you didn’t even hear it until you stepped out into the water. Slowly, emerging from the waters in blue scales, sharpened fins, and claws that could shred bones emerged Näkki. He has been the one the elders warned you about, the creature…..and now you’re in his domain.